Apple has announced changes to the rules for software developers in the European Union under the Digital Markets Act. (DMA), which will enter into force in March. The main change is that the company allowed third-party app stores in iOS 17.4, which will be released in March.
Users from the EU will be able to download the app-store from the website of this trading platform. Marketplaces must get Apple’s approval to install such apps on iPhones. The installation of such an application requires the explicit permission of the user to download applications to the device. But after installing the marketplace, you can download any apps from it, including apps that violate App Store rules. A third-party app store can even be made the default app installation source.
Developers can choose to use Apple’s payment services and in-app purchases, or integrate a third-party payment system at no additional fee. If a developer wants to stick to Apple’s existing payment system, an additional 3% fee will apply.
Apple, as before, plans to closely monitor the process of app distribution. All applications must be certified by Apple, and distribution through third-party marketplaces is also managed by Apple systems. Developers will only be allowed to distribute one version of their app across multiple stores, and will still have to comply with some basic platform requirements, including malware scanning.
Every developer who wants to create an alternative app market must provide evidence that they can financially guarantee support for developers and customers:
“In order to create adequate financial means to guarantee developer and customer support, Marketplace Developers must provide Apple with a standby letter of credit from an A-rated financial institution (or S&P, Fitch or Moody’s equivalent) in the amount of €1,000,000 prior to eligibility. It will need to be automatically renewed every year.”
New commissions for developers
In the future, developers will be able to avoid paying Apple fees in the EU at all, depending on how they choose to distribute their apps. Apple is making changes to the payment structure for both the App Store and third-party apps. Developers will be able to take advantage of these new business terms or stick to the existing distribution model through the App Store.
App Store developers who choose an alternative payment system will pay a 17% commission instead of 30%. This rate will be reduced to 10% for any apps that qualify for Apple’s reduced “small business” rate. An additional 3% fee is charged to developers who choose to use Apple’s payment processing system.
The company is also introducing a new type of commission for very popular programs. The new core distribution technology fee will be €0.50 per annual app install, but this fee is only charged after one million annual installations in the EU.
Alternative browsers, game streaming services, NFC payments in third-party applications
Apple verse allows on its devices alternative browsers based on WebKit. Users will get a choice of alternative browsers to install when they first open Safari on iOS 17.4.
The App Store will allow game streaming services worldwidewhich until now have been effectively prohibited by Apple’s policy
As announced last week by the European Commission, Apple is preparing to allow developers in the European Economic Area to offer NFC payments in their apps.
These changes are already available for iOS 17.4 developer beta.
Apple notes that it will not make radical changes in markets other than the EU.
Touche, Apple: Spotify will launch its own payment system for iOS users in the EU – all thanks to the DMA law
Sources: Apple, The Verge, 9to5mac
